Book picks similar to
A Hopeful Kind of Love by Krista Lakes


novella
contemporary-romance
freebie
contemporary

Dream Girls: Piper


Carrie Thomas - 2013
    Moving to Dallas to finish up college with her two friends, Stephanie and Nicole, she hopes to challenge herself to reach new heights. Her bohemian ways allow her to float through relationships frequently and with ease; when there are no strings attached, there is no chance of being hurt. Texas rancher, Moye McKenzie, is a no nonsense, good ol' boy, who doesn't play games where matters of the heart are concerned. When this straight-shooter walks into Piper's life, sparks fly and tempers flare. Wanting to give her the life she deserves, Moye has to show her that getting hurt can happen whether you're holding onto the reins or not. If she could just let go, Piper might be surprised to find she's someone's dream girl.

Whiskey Prince


Toni Aleo - 2014
    Having been caretaker to her for most of her teenage years, Amberlyn is inexperienced in many aspects of life. She hasn’t had time to live, have fun, or enjoy even the little things. It’s only when a letter from her mother, asking her to fulfill three things, sends her off to Ireland to live a life she never thought possible that she begins to heal.Declan O’Callaghan was born and raised in Ireland and has his family’s legendary whiskey in his veins. He’s shy and not a fan of the pressure and spotlight that comes with his family name, or the title he was given at birth—the Whiskey Prince. Declan knows just what he wants and that is to take over the family dynasty, but when his father gives him an ultimatum, everything he’s worked for could come undone in the blink of an eye.With six months to get married, the reclusive Declan spots Amberlyn across a lake and instantly feels the need to know her. Soon, the two find themselves traveling down a path neither expected. However, like any road, there are bumps and side streets to derail them. Can Declan help find the pieces that will make Amberlyn whole again? And will Amberlyn stay or run when she learns of Declan’s deadline of marriage?

The Wideness of the Sea


Katie Curtis - 2017
    When she returns home to mid-coast Maine for his funeral, she faces all that she left behind when she left seven years earlier. The pain of her own mother’s death, the fractured relationships with her father, and her first love. The life she had built for herself in New York - the art world, her boyfriend, her roommate who is also her best friend - allowed her to forget the grief and hurt she had left behind in Maine. But when her uncle leaves her a surprising inheritance, if forces her to face them, and the parts of her self she’s buried. As she searches for answers about herself, and where she belongs, she discovers how people and places shape us, and how understanding, forgiveness and grace have the power to transform us and the people we love.

Under the Cherry Blossoms


Amali Rose - 2017
    She just wants a happy ending. Cue the online dating app… It may have begun as a drunken attempt at a virtual booty call, but when Ben Mackinnon sets his sights on the intentionally lovelorn, Skye Emery, he pulls out all the stops in an attempt to convince her that romantic ideals like soulmates and forevers really do exist. Skye doesn’t want to believe a word. But try as she might, she can’t help but catch feelings for the sexy, reformed ladies-man. It’s his corny sense of humor that does it—along with his self confidence, and of course, his very dirty mouth.Their relationship blossoms, and just as these two lovebirds start to believe they’ve beaten all the odds, Ben’s unresolved past becomes a barrier that sends him reeling and Skye running for the door.The aftermath leaves Skye with two—well, three—choices: fight for her happily ever after, accept that her relationship with Ben was just one booty call too many, or eat her weight in ice cream.While the ice cream option seems enticing, Skye already knows what she needs to do...

Lemon Tarts & Stolen Hearts


Dylann Crush - 2019
    squeeze those suckers and make something sweet out of 'em! I've only ever fallen head over heels for two things… my mama’s homemade lemon tarts and my on-again-off-again boyfriend, Jake Duncan. The lemon tarts are easy to replicate. The feelings I've carried for Jake Duncan? Not so much.So I've decided it’s high time we ought to rekindle our romance. Now Jake better get with the program or get out of town. He’s always had a thing for me, but I know I've hurt him in the past. Hopefully we'll be able to find our happily-ever-after before we tear down the tiny town of Swallow Springs, Missouri trying.

The Enchanted Orchards


Kristin Maddock - 2012
    But she is haunted by the tragic secret of her sister’s death and even her beloved orchards can’t seem to save her. Refusing to give into sorrow, a desperate Fern goes in search of the courage she once had in order to live and dream again. She gets more than she bargained for when she finds friendship, understanding—and even love—in unexpected places. Soon, her summer of hopeless grief turns into an enchanted journey of healing that will be life-altering and unforgettable. Sometimes all of life’s answers can be wrapped up in one hot summer. Especially if peaches are involved…

Thirty-Eight Days


Len Webster - 2014
    In fact, if you asked Clara she would tell you that Nolan hated every thing about her. They never shared any form of connection besides Alex Lawrence. She was Alex’s bratty sister and he was Alex’s best friend, they never stood a chance. Five years have passed and almost 12,000 miles have kept them separated, both living completely different lives. Unchanged perceptions and expectations should have kept them apart but when Nolan returns, the foundations of their ‘relationship’ is sure to change. Their story was meant to end the day Nolan left for Stanford. But what if seeing each other after five years was the game changer? What if this was their one chance to rewrite their relationship or were they always destined to never be more?

Next August


Kelly Moore
    He’s a public figure— a billionaire business genius and eligible bachelor—with no personal life, and he likes it that way. Tragedy has followed August throughout his life, and by the time he meets Nashville Jacoby, the secrets he’s harboring aren’t just sad, they’re dangerous.Nashville is a nurse from the Deep South—the consummate country girl. She works hard, takes care of her family, and dreams of a simple life. She’s drawn to August, despite his refusal to open up to her, his intimidating fortune, and his controlling tendencies. He’s not only mesmerized by her physical beauty, he’s enthralled by her kind heart and sassy honesty. Their intense sexual chemistry surprises them both, and soon they’re locked in a passionate love affair. When August’s secrets finally catch up with him, however, their relationship isn’t the only thing that’s at stake. Someone from the past wants revenge on August and isn’t afraid to destroy the one thing August’s money can’t buy—the woman he loves.

Lakeshore Secrets


Shannyn Leah - 2015
    Although she has created a new life for herself away from the drama, secrets and stress of the small town, she must return upon her grandmother’s death. Her return brings back wonderful memories, especially of Marc, but also horrible fears from the past. When fate throws her and Marc together once again, how can they ignore the everlasting love and desire between them? Will Kate stay and face her demons or will the deceit and secrets of the past destroy any future they may have and force her to leave again

Under the Lights


Tia Louise - 2018
    From USA TODAY bestselling author Tia Louise comes a sexy new tale of love, loss, and survival in sultry New Orleans...UNDER THE LIGHTS Heroes don't last long around here... Fall in love with the sexiest girl in New Orleans? Check. Prepare to die for her? Double-check. Larissa is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.She's the rising star of the Pussycat Angels, the hottest burlesque show in the French Quarter.I'll never forget the first time I saw her.The curve of her breast outlined by sparkling rhinestones.Slim hips wrapped in black fishnets.Long, dark hair...She's the Dark Angel who stole my heart.Her body is intoxicating, our love overwhelming.Cat eyes and blood red lips.Sizzling fingers on white-hot skin.I couldn't keep my hands off her...But her fame had a dark side,A sinister shadow lurking under the lights. I would do anything to save her...He would do anything to see me dead.(A CONTEMPORARY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE series.)

Once Upon A Wedding


Kait Nolan - 2017
    Aware, and interested. But he's been busy--or so he tells himself. His bartender, Kennedy, has her suspicions. When Kennedy and her wedding planner cook up a matchmaking scheme to put Denver in Misty's orbit, Denver, a bar owner and tattooed biker, is surprised at how much he has in common with the modern-day flower child--including their mutual tendency to want to leave the past in the past and keep it private. But what will happen when Misty's private past is revealed, and clashes painfully with the things Denver has tried to put behind him? A novelette of approximately 15k words. This story is a crossover with the Misfit Inn series (It comes after Book 1). Check out the first full novel in the series, When You Got A Good Thing. Q: What makes the Meet Cute Romance series special? "Meet cute" is a term used to describe a situation in which a future romantic couple meets for the first time. Meet Cute Romance is a series of contemporary romantic shorts celebrating the possibilities of that first meeting. Q: Who would dig these books? Meet Cute Romances are designed to be a fast (but not too fast--these are full novelettes, not short stories of only a scene or two), lunchtime or coffee break read to give you a bright spot of romance in your day. If you're looking for a quick romantic pick me up, these short contemporary romances are sure to be right up your alley. Q: What order should I read the books in? These novelettes are each stand-alone and can be read in any order. Though there are a few recurring characters in some, so if you want to read in chronological order, they go like this: * Once Upon a Snow Day * Once Upon a New Year's Eve * Once Upon an Heirloom * Once Upon A Coffee * Once Upon A Setup * Once Upon A Campfire * Once Upon A Wedding Q: Are there crossovers with other series? YES! Two of my Meet Cutes tie in with my longer, southern romance series set in Wishful, Mississippi. Wishful is a collection of southern romance novels honoring my Mississippi roots and exploring love in a small town. You can try the first book in the series, To Get Me To You, for FREE! It comes just after Once Upon A Coffee. Once Upon A Setup is a companion novelette to Be Careful, It's My Heart (Book 2 in Wishful) and a prequel to Just For This Moment (Book 4 in Wishful). Once Upon A Campfire ties in with the shared world Camp Firefly Falls series. And Once Upon A Wedding follows the first book in The Misfit Inn series (When You Got A Good Thing).

Before CE"O": Includes the Complete CE"O" Trilogy


M.T. Stone - 2017
    The first twenty one years of my existence consisted of one single minded obsession, to be an NFL quarterback. It was about to come true when I was blindsided in the most important game of my life. In an instant, the entire world as I knew it crumbled. When my therapist asked about my other talents or interests, the only thing that popped to mind was... women. I've always been good with women, but it's not like you can make a living with that skill set. Well, as it turns out you can make a damn good living in what they refer to as the world's oldest profession. I've definitely got the equipment for it. Maybe I'll give it a try. At this point, I feel as if I have nothing to lose. After all, what can go wrong when you're trying to keep a bunch of spoiled rich girls happy? * Before CE"O" is a 47,000 word prequel to CE"O" and CE"O" Baby. For a limited time this Trilogy edition includes all three stories. If you enjoy steamy stories with a healthy dose of humor and drama, you will enjoy the journey of Rex Hastings.

Mr. Mystery


Melissa Williams - 2021
    Then, in a cruel twist of fate, she was gone. Even with all the evidence telling me otherwise, I know she’s out there. My heart can’t let her go. And I won’t rest until I find her. IsabellaLosing your memory is scary. Especially when every night you dream of being held in the loving, strong arms of a mystery man only to wake up alone. Is he a figment of my imagination or a tempting spark of memory? Even after all this time I don’t remember who I am. Or was. And I don’t have time to waste on dreaming and what-ifs—it’s not just me I have to look out for.Then he’s there—flesh and bone, standing in front of me. A dream come to life in the middle of a burlesque club. I don’t believe billionaire Cyrus Meinhold was ever mine—a man like him is too good to be true. Until he says the three words that echo in my dreams: Dance for me.More Than Money series will have you swooning over these sexy billionaires with big wallets and even bigger hearts this July! Grab a fan and a cool drink, it's about to get hot in here!

From the Wreckage


Michele G. Miller - 2014
    When disaster strikes, their labels become irrelevant.“In a matter of minutes on a Friday night, I lost my school, my identity, the security of my first love, the personality of my sweet fearless brother, my best friend, my town, everything as I knew it. Everything changed.”"Minutes—that’s all it takes to change your entire life. How do you deal with that?”For high school senior Jules Blacklin surviving the storm is only the beginning. Faced with her life's new reality, she must find a way to rise from the wreckage and answer the question—how do you get back to normal when everything normal is gone?The From The Wreckage series is a Young Adult to New Adult series with one trilogy and multiple character spin-offs. Please see the reading order below:Jules and West's trilogy1. From the Wreckage2. Out of Ruins3. All that RemainsSpin-offs best read in order but CAN be read alone4. West: A male POV novel of From The Wreckage5. Into the Fire: Dani's story6. After the Fall: Austin's story7. Until We Crash: Jess and Carter's story

The Billionaire Duke


Gina Robinson - 2016
    Until a visit from a British solicitor turns everything upside down. Riggins has just inherited a dukedom complete with a large British estate, an aristocratic title, and the obligation to marry and produce an heir. With a woman his predecessor, the Dead Duke, has selected for him. A woman who uncomfortably stirs his jaded heart. But no one is going to force him into marriage. There has to be a way out of this mess.Haley Hamilton is young, just out of college, and looking for a hero. Riggins could give her everything. Or completely break her heart. She doesn't want to be anyone's forced duchess. But the Dead Duke and Riggins' irresistible charm are making it impossible to resist. The first episode of the page-turning romantic comedy serial readers have been waiting for! Continue in the exciting and romantic world of the Jet City Billionaires… The Billionaire Duke Serial Novels NOTE: These novels must be read in the order listed below. 1-The Billionaire Duke—40,000 words/180 pages2-The Duchess Contest—37,000 words/166 pages3-The Temporary Duchess4-TBA >>>Romantic Comedy >>>New Adult Contemporary Romance >>>Contemporary Romance >>>Women's Fiction Humorous >>>Billionaire Romance The Jet City Billionaires world presents romantic stories full of humor, laughs, secrets, mysteries, and poignancy. The Billionaire Duke serial follows the story of Riggins and Haley in a modern twist on the classic marriage of convenience story.